The Runner 2-25-15 by CSUB Runner

RecycleMania Page 3

Basketball wins at the buzzer Page 6

Feb. 25, 2015

Vol. 40, No. 15

CAMPUS

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Remembrance

Homecoming coverage Page 4

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Muslim club holds vigil for those slain in N.C.

MOVIES

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‘McFarland, USA’ holds premiere at Maya Cinemas By Shelby Parker Senior Columnist

Diana Olivares/The Runner

Above: Hala AlNajar, a sociology and religious studies double major, addresses the crowd at the candlelight vigil in front of the Student Union on Thursday, Feb. 17. Along with paying tribute to the slain Muslim women of Chapel Hill, NC, talks about how people should respect each other, and equality among all people.

Left: The candles placed in front of the Student Union on Thursday, Feb. 17 spell out the word peace to honor the three Muslim women murdered in Chapel Hill, NC, on Feb. 10. Above the word, more candles form the shape of a peace symbol.

personal level. He was familiar with driving a lot of the highways, seeing the workers in the It isn’t every day that fields and understood what they Bakersfield rolls out the red car- were working so hard for. pet for a Hollywood style showCostner has been known to ing, but on Feb. 15 at Maya play a variety of roles, but Cinemas, Walt Disney Pictures seems to have a soft spot for premiered their new movie films in the sports genre. When “McFarland, USA” based on it comes to playing a real perthe 1987 true story. son, that’s when things can Several of the up-and-coming become a bit tricky. actors showed, but everyone “There’s always something was anxiously awaiting Kevin that comes with playing a true Costner’s arrival. character. We took a little Costner porlicense in a trays coach couple areas, Jim White, so it wasn’t who moves to really as McFarland, a important for primarily me to walk the Latino comsame way as munity, and Jim did, talk ends up stumthe same way bling upon a – There’s an few talented essence of runners, who being a coach, also come of trying to be from migrant in front of kids farm worker to try to influbackgrounds. ence them, and White then there’s a Diana Olivares/The Runner steadiness that decides to start a cross-country Kevin Costner at the prehe brought to team, and even- miere of “McFarland, USA” his community. at Maya Cinemas on Feb. 15. tually the guys Kids responded get on board. Although the odds to it, and that’s what I was able are stacked against them, they to do.” prove that the underdogs are the Costner also added that he was ones with the best stories to tell. able to spend time with White What did it mean to Costner to before shooting, as well as on play the part? set. He said that White was very “Well, first, it’s a job,” Costner quiet, and never tried to tell him joked. “No, I mean, I have to what to do, and he thinks White decide what I’m going to do in was happy with what they came my life, right? I can only do one up with. or two movies a year. So, you After speaking with Jim and know, you look around and you Cheryl White, they liked the see movies that have a level of way the film turned out, but heart and truth, and this movie there are still some differences had both of those things.” between life and screen, as is Having gone to school in usually the case. Visalia, Costner said the story resonated with him on a more See MCFARLAND, Page 5

Softball splits doubleheader against Univ. of Pacific SPORTS

By Esteban Ramirez Sports Editor

After a shutout performance by senior pitcher Kelsie Monroe to give CSU Bakersfield a 2-0 win in the first game, the ’Runners softball team followed with an 8-0 loss and split the doubleheader against the University of the Pacific at the Roadrunner Softball Complex on Feb. 21. “We were OK,” CSUB softball coach Crissy Buck-Ziegler said. “We should’ve had a better outing in the second game. We had a good outing in the first, but the second game was not a good performance and we have to do a lot better. We have to get a lot better. We just didn’t come to play in that second game.” In the first game of the double header, CSUB (4-8) got a good performance from Monroe (3-5), who earned the win for the team and pitched all seven innings. She also finished with five strikeouts and only gave up four hits the whole game. “Kelsie’s got guts,” Buck-Ziegler said. “She’s being a senior, she’s leading very well, she’s got a lot of guts on the mound and I’m proud of her.” Despite Monroe’s performance, the game was still tied until the third inning. With freshman Amber Mills on third and senior Madison Bundy on second, junior Alexandrea Simmons singled up the middle and scored both runners to give CSUB a 2-0 lead. The Tigers (4-9) were having trouble getting runners on base but

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Opinion

Fifty Shades of black and white: A debate. Page 2 The foodie: Mug brownie recipe with a twist. Page 2

in the seventh inning they were able to get senior Kamalei Pitoy to third and sophomore Cassidy Gustafson to second with two outs, but Monroe once again made a big play for CSUB by striking out freshman Rachel Sellers to end the game. “I think we have to go out and expect to win “We had a good outevery game, but not ing in the first [game], underestimate or over look anyone,” Monroe but the second game said. “I think pitching for was not a good percontact and letting my formance.” defense work behind me Crissy Buck-Ziegler that’s what I was working Softball Head Coach with. My pitches weren’t moving as well today, but I know I have a good defense behind me.” Simmons led the way for CSUB hitting with one hit and two RBIs on two at-bats. Freshman pitcher Marissa Young (1-3) took the loss for the Tigers. In the second game, CSUB had trouble mustering any offense against the Tiger’s starting pitcher Gustafson, who held the Roadrunners to three hits. The Tigers came out strong from the start by tacking on five runs in the first two innings and forcing Mills out of the game before the

end of the second inning. While CSUB’s pitching had its struggles, their offense still couldn’t find success getting on base against Gustafson. The Tigers kept their offense rolling as they tacked on three more runs, including one in the sixth and final inning. Simmons was the lone bright spot for the ’Runners offense in the second game as she went 2-of-3 hitting. Gustafson (1-0) got the win and Mills (0-2) took the loss for the ’Runners. “We came out not as hungry and it was kind of flat-footed and it shouldn’t be like that,” Simmons said. “We should go in and take every game full force, going hard every pitch every inning and once we let up that’s when they find room to step on us. We just need to keep that in mind for next time.” Monroe added that they need to take the same mentality to every game. “I think we should see every game like it’s the [Western Athletic Conference] Championship,” Monroe said. “Just putting yourself there now so it’s not so big then, but I think it is just mentality and laziness a little bit. [Therefore], we need to flip that this week in practice, so it doesn’t again.” CSUB will go on the road to play at the Loyola Marymount University and CSU Northridge tournament. The ’Runners will start the tournament with a game against the Sacramento State Hornets at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 27.

Going green: RecycleMania runs wild on CSUB. Page 3 Moving on: Search begins for executive director of ASI: Page 3

Buzzer-Beaters: Basketball teams win at the wire. Page 6 Back on track: Baseball finds winning ways. Page 7

News

Features

Crowning Moment: Homecoming king and queen Q&A. Page 4 In memoriam: Tribute to poet Philip Levine. Page 5

Sports

Multimedia

Check out our videos and audio at therunneronline.com

Opinions

Volume XL, Issue 15

THE RUNNER The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 Telephone 661.654.2165 Fax 661.654.6905 E-mail runner@csub.edu therunneronline.com

editorialstaff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Athena Skapinakis

MANAGING EDITOR Josh Bennett NEWS EDITOR Alex Ripepi

OPINIONS EDITOR Robin Gracia

FEATURES EDITOR Heather Hoelscher SPORTS EDITOR Esteban Ramirez PHOTO EDITOR Diana Olivares WEB EDITOR Cassie Sandrini

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Michael Wafford COPY CHIEF Shealtiel Dow ARCHIVIST Donato Cruz

newsroomstaff

ASSISTANT EDITORS Richard Garibay, AJ Alvarado, REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Nathan Sanchez, Shelby Parker, Stephany Bravo, Anthony Jauregui, Kelsie Edwards, Bre Williams, Janeane Williams, Barry Ramirez, Eric Garza, Paola Hernandez, Ileana Angulo, Juana Martinez, Miguel Ochoa, M’Alyssa Bundy, Marizza Espinosa, Kabria Dodley, Crismat Mateo, Erica Carcamo, Julie Perez, David Kaplan, Jeanette Sevilla

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ADVERTISING MANAGER Maisy-Jane Raper FINANCE MANAGER Chris Bodirsky

MARKETING & SALES REPRESENTATIVES Jacob Williams, Hailey Williams, Stephanie Martinez DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Monica Martinez

ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu ABOUT

The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published weekly, in conjunction with the Communications Department at California State University, Bakersfield. The Runner believes all advertising to be correct but cannot guarantee its accuracy or be responsible for its outcome.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send letters to runner@csub.edu. All letters must be signed and verified and be no more than 300 words in length. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

DISCLAIMERS

Views and opinions expressed in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Communications Department. Each quarter’s student staff determines content/advertising choices, with advice from the adviser. Content creation and selection are all made by student editors. The staff of The Runner reserves the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which many be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless. The Runner does not accept tobaccorelated advertising.

Feb. 25, 2015

RUNNER ON THE STREET

This week, The Runner asked, “Did you watch the film ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’? What did you think?” “No, I didn’t go see the movie because my girlfriend and I are not into that kinky stuff.”

Damian McKnight Freshmen

“I plan on seeing the movie, but I didn’t read the book. It’s too time consuming.”

Febizza Obar Kinesiology

By Janeane Williams

“No, I didn’t go see the movie, and I did not read the books, either.”

“It was quite interesting, I was surprised. Growing up, they would never show anything like this.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t like it...My girlfriend wanted to see it so I took her.”

“Yes, I saw the movie. I wasn’t expecting the movie to follow the books as well as it did. I had a great time!” Elodie Cuau Political Science

Denisse Silva Senior

Eric Garza Business

Linsie White Human Biology

Sex, love and control: ‘Fifty Shades’ stirs debate

Consensual kink misunderstood Stalking and abuse not healthy By Richard Garibay Assistant Opinion Editor

The recent release of “Fifty Shades of Grey” has been met with a flurry of harsh criticism, with some people going so far as to claim it glorifies abuse. Every time a film causes controversy, it is not because of the content, but because those who oppose it have heard from someone else that it was offensive and then decided to boycott. By no means am I defending this movie’s quality because the script sounds like it jumped out of a “Lifetime” character’s mouth, and I think a young and powerful billionaire could find a much more attractive woman to lust after. I am arguing that this movie does not glorify abuse in any way. If these critics had watched the movie they would be well aware that the protagonist, Anastasia Steele, consents to whatever physical acts she is put through by agreeing to a relationship contract, which clearly lays out all of the acts she would be engaging in. This includes bondage and various acts marrying pleasure with pain. Christian Grey even asks her multiple times if this is what she wants, and furthermore tells her she can leave whenever she wants more than a few times. He gives her a safe word, “red,” and immediately stops what he is doing when she says it. At the end of the film she screams “No,” and he immediately stops what he was doing. This is not abuse. She was a consenting adult. The reason for all of her tears is because she wants more than a physical relationship but she goes along anyway. Anyone watching this movie can plainly see that Grey’s relationship style tears him apart inside. He, like Anastasia,

wants more than a physical relationship but can’t seem to understand how to go about it. He is depicted as a broken man, who was taught to channel his aggression and troubles into controlled sexual activity. The movie shows the audience how hard it is to cope with this lifestyle rather than glorifying it. The message of “Fifty Shades” is that his fetish is making his life void of happiness, emotional engagement and joy.

I think the fundamental center of this controversy revolves around the fact that a work of fiction that explores BDSM so thoroughly has never attained the kind of popularity that “Fifty Shades of Grey” has amassed. This is the first time that much of the public has been subjected to this type of sexual relationship and they don’t know what to make of it. Those who do not have knowledge about master-slave relationships become shocked and offended, a popular reaction when something cannot be understood.

By Anthony Jauregui Senior Reporter

“Fifty Shades of Grey” is a newly released romantic comedy based on best-selling novel E.L. James. Most, without viewing, have judged this movie claiming it perpetuates rape culture. Although these claims are partly true, the biggest failure this film perpetuates is that abusive relationships are hot.

Eric Garza/The Runner

I decided to call this a romantic comedy because of its ham-fisted dialogue in and out of the bedroom, and its portrayal of a sugar daddy and his sugar baby. Don’t get me wrong, they’re both hot, but what this film lacks is a believable plot line. One of the film’s themes is control and how it’s harbored in a tightly dressed Grey. Once Anastasia Steele enters and introduces herself to Grey, his sexual discipline begins to crumble. As the film’s plot unfolds, we see what makes it a portrayal of abuse in the relationship.

We begin with Grey. He seems like a knight in shining armor, but is more so a hot man who follows his crush around, including tracking her cell phone, justifying it as him caring for her. About three or four times throughout the movie, Grey essentially stalks Steele. After a few gifts for Steele, including a laptop and a car, she decides to walk out on Grey. The pull and tug type of relationship between Grey and Steele is abusive at its core, but what this film also explores is abusive pathology in people. Grey hints at his abusive tendencies starting as a result of having a screwed up childhood. Now, I for one know that having an abusive childhood sets you up for trouble in the future, such as perpetuating cycles of abuse, however, not knowing this as a casual viewer can be confusing. As casual viewers with little to no research on BDSM, which stands for bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism, it is easy to assume that kids who were subjected to abuse turn out to be into BDSM, which is simply not the case. Another point worth mentioning-with regard to abuse in the film is that Grey was a sex slave to a much older woman during his teenage years. This also gives reason to his sadist tendencies, but again, is not totally accurate. “Fifty Shades of Grey” is a portrayal of an abusive relationship in most categories. Don’t watch this film as a substitute for porn; it’s hot but not that hot. If you’re looking for a reason to spice up your sex life, don’t watch the film. If you’re writing an article on the film, watch this movie, because that’s about the only reason you should.

The Curious Kitchen

Make your own microwave brownies By Alex Ripepi Senior Columnist

When I first found the recipe for mug brownies on Food.com, my first thought was, “This is going to give me salmonella.” Imagine my delight when the recipe didn’t call for eggs. Mug brownies, for the uninitiated, are exactly what they sound like: brownies that consist of smaller portions and are cooked in a mug or coffee cup. These brownies came out great. I had made them myself, they were fresh, and they didn’t cost an exorbitant amount of money to make. Served with vanilla ice cream on them, they were delicious. A word to the wise: Do not overcook this brownie. Overcooking will leave a chocolate brick in place of delicious molten goodness. Let’s be honest though. Normal brownies are boring. So to spice it up, I made three more. One with cinnamon, one with cayenne pepper and a last with turmeric. In order to do this, just add a few shakes of each, being especially careful with cayenne, as you don't want to turn dessert into a nightmare for your gastrointestinal tract. Each different spice was a really nice addition to the recipe.

Cinnamon Brownie The cinnamon was pretty basic, as expected, and added a Christmas-y element. Nothing too drastic, no Food Network spinoff was awarded, and I'm still waiting on Gordon Ramsay's letter congratulating me on my creative influence on the world of baking, this was less overcooked though, so I'd say 4.5 stars out of 5 on taste.

The Spicy Brownie The cayenne added an absolutely amazing spice to the brownie, and this one was primed and ready for some ice cream. The spiciness was apparent, but not overwhelming, but when the ice cream ran out, I realized that I'd heaped on a bit too much for the average person. This brownie was shockingly good. I give it 4 stars out of 5 for flavor.

Tumeric Brownie Turmeric... This brownie was interesting. It was apparent that it had a different flavor than the others, but instead of just “turmeric brownie,” this one became almost nutty. The flavors were very complimentary, but again, I overcooked the brownie. Assuming a decent preparation, this one would have easily been as good as the cinnamon brownie. I award it 4.5 stars out of 5.

I can't stress enough the ease of this recipe though. Considering the time and financial stresses that an average college student faces, this recipe is a 5 out of 5. This takes no time to prepare, and the price is almost negligible. If the mood strikes, this microwavable mug brownie recipe is an amazing sweet tooth fix. Mug brownies will definitely be seeing my kitchen again and again.

Mug Brownies

2 tbsp butter, melted 2 tbsp water 1/4 tsp vanilla extract Dash of salt 4 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 4 tbsp flour

In a 12-ounce mug, add the water, butter, vanilla and salt. Whisk well. Add cocoa powder, sugar and flour into the mug and mix.

Microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds. The center will look molten. Don’t overcook! Enjoy!

Feb. 25, 2015

RecycleMania sweeps across CSUB campus

News

ASI executive director announces retirement By Marizza Espinosa Reporter

Associated Students Inc. is beginning its search for getting a new executive director. Current ASI Executive Director, Taren Mulhause, has announced she is retiring after having been the executive director of ASI for the past five years. Mulhause said, "It's kind of bittersweet because I've always been here with the students and I'm not going to know what to do with myself." Even before she was given the position as executive direc-

tor, she had been involved with ASI - 22 years now. Mulhause had the luxury of being ASI's first executive director. Prior to that, ASI only had an administrator coordinator, which was her as well. Her position consists of being the administrator that oversees ASI and works with the students. "I'm kind of the liaison between the students and the university," Mulhause said. Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Jim Drnek, is chairing the ASI executive director search. He is hoping the position to be filled as soon

as possible but a lot goes along with the search process. With this particular search committee, since this position entails that they work closely with the students, they have all six executive board members on the committee. The search committee is in the process of reviewing applications, resumes, and letters of interest of whomever meets the minimum requirements to be considered for the position. Mulhause, who is retiring after 22 years on ASI, said, "I'm definitely coming back and visiting. They'll be like 'I thought you left.'"

Interested in joining The Runner?

Join Comm. 214/414 for the spring quarter or send an e-mail to jburger1@csub.edu Bre Williams/The Runner

Freshman psychology major Yartiza Aldana chalked in front of the Runner Café at the go green event held by Associated Students Inc.

By Hiba Ali Reporter

RecycleMania is a friendly competition with over 600 universities and colleges around the country to promote recycling and maintainable practices within their campus and community. Over 600 campuses competing against each other over which can recycle more from Feb. 3 to March 30. “I found out about RecycleMania last year through Savannah Andrews, previous VP of Programming. She had called me at 5:30 a.m. requesting that I help her set up for a recycling event that would be featured in the morning news,” said Mike Kwon, Associated Students Inc. Executive Vice President. “From then on, I have helped last year and this year to promote recycling on our campus.” RecycleMania is a nonprofit organization, supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WasteWise program and the College & University Recycling Coalition (CURC), as it was informed in the RecycleMania website, recycle-

maniacs.org. In January 2001, it started with two universities, Ohio State University and the University of Miami, competing against each other to see who could collect a bigger number of recyclables with the goal of motivating their students in recycling on their campuses. After their first year, other campuses started to join and it became what it is today. The very next year other universities were invited to expand RecycleMania in the U.S. and join to compete. “By recycling instead of making new materials, not only are resources saved, but energy is saved,” ASI Vice President of University Affairs Jennifer Sanchez said. As of these months, this is the fifth year of participating in RecycleMania. The biggest goal of CSU Bakersfield’s RecycleMania is to help make the campus a greener and cleaner campus. CSUB brought on campus 30 new blue and gold recycling and trash containers all over campus. In addition, CSUB also have several blue only-cans

recycle containers. It accepts all kinds of recyclable items: paper, plastics No. 1-7, aluminum, glass and small cardboard items. Larger cardboard can be recycled in the large bin in the southern part of Parking Lot I, by www.csub.edu/recyclemania. “On our campus, we receive tremendous support from students. Not only does the ASI Board of Directors help out in the initiative, but also club and organizations take part in activities and promoting,” Kwon said. “This planet has been here for billions of years, yet the massproduction of products has only begun 200 or so years ago,” Sanchez said. “It is theorized, by varying sources, that the Earth can run out of some resources in as little as 40 years. I can understand the question of ‘How can I, one person, change the future of the earth?’ and I can understand the doubtful feeling that it creates. However, if everyone makes the conscious decision to recycle the bulk of resources that go through their home, the world has a hopeful future ahead.”

Do you ask questions and wonder about things around campus? Are you interested in news reporting, sports, features, opinions, photography, or multimedia production?

Are you a salesperson who wants experience selling ads to local businesses? Are you a journalism major looking to beef up your portfolio for job interviews in the field? Then join The Runner for the Spring 2015 quarter!

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Features

Feb. 25, 2015

CSUB crowns Rasheed and Silva 2015 Homecoming King and Queen

By Heather Hoelscher Feature Editor The California State University, Bakersfield homecoming king and queen were announced Saturday at the homecoming basketball game against Kansas City. During half time, Hakim Rasheed and Denisse Silva were crowned homecoming king and queen. CSUB’s homecoming king, Hakim Rasheed, is a senior criminal justice major with a minor in sociology. He hopes to become an actor one day in film or on a reality show. CSUB’s homecoming queen Denisse Silva, is a political science major with a minor in sociology. She plans to pursue Marine Policy and Affairs with a focus in Marine Conservation at a graduate school in Miami.

Paola Hernandez/The Runner

Homecoming Dance 2015, Westchester Hall, Downtown Bakersfield.

How did you decide to run for homecoming and why? Rasheed: I am always up for challenges and new opportunities. I saw it and I said ‘Why not?’ it is my last year here and it would be a good opportunity to run. I am all about the experience. It is something to remember when I grow up. Silva: Running for homecoming queen was a last minute decision for me. I pushed myself to and it's my last year here, so I said what the heck, let's do this. Never did I expect to win. How was the campaign experience? Rasheed: It was hard: I talked to a bunch of people, campaigned and made advertisements. It was challenging, I worked really hard to get people’s votes. Silva: I told myself to have fun as I ran for queen, but it did get stressful as I had to juggle school, my job, and ASI position, all while campaigning. I told those that I knew to vote and pushed them to do so. I posted ads on Facebook and Instagram and handed out flyers to complete strangers to encourage them to vote. The stress paid off in the end. How has it impacted your life? Rasheed: It made a good impact of my life. It was a

good experience to win and to be there, to get the suit and dress up. The time when I was king, it just was one of the highlights here at CSUB. It shows that a lot of people know me, or want to get to know me and care about me. A lot of people that voted for me I know I have a relationship with them now. I work a lot of places on campus; I would talk to people and develop rapport with them. That helped me a lot. Silva: Above all, I was so fortunate to have my mom in the audience as they crowned me. Seeing the joy in her face was a blessing. How did you feel when you won? And what does it mean to you? Rasheed: I was happy. I was excited. At first I was nervous because all these people seeing you and knowing you now. All my hard worked paid off, so I was excited that I won. I felt that I really deserve it. I believe that you have to be active around campus. Cool within clubs, at work, anything that you do. Participating in school events and getting to know people as well as being a leader and a role model [is what being a homecoming king means]. Silva: I was ecstatic. Winning meant that my hard work paid off during my campaign, but most impor-

Paola Hernandez/The Runner

Students dance the night away at the ‘Great Gatsby’ themed Homecoming dance.

tantly it reassures me that I have reached out and hopefully touched the lives of students through positive encounters. Did you enjoy yourself at the dance? Rasheed: I had a good time. I spent it with my girlfriend. It was pretty cool wearing the crown and dancing. The photo booth was really cool. The food was good as well. I got to talk to a bunch of people at the dance and thank them. I took pictures with people. Silva: The dance was amazing. Thank you to Campus Programming for arranging such a wonderful dance. I just wish they had shouted out a congrats to the homecoming court. Silva: I want to thank all those that voted for me, those that helped me during my campaign, and a special shout out to Class of 2015! Only four months left!

Silent McCarthy/Contributor

Homecoming King and Queen, Hakim Rasheed and Denisse Silva.

Walter Presents ‘Lessons in Dissent’ By Kabria Dodley Reporter On Feb. 18 the Walter Stiern Library at California State University, Bakersfield screened the documentary “Lessons in Dissent.” British Director, Matthew Torne, also made an appearance and held an open panel for anyone who had questions regarding the movie after it was shown. The documentary titled “Lessons in Dissent” follows the story of both Joshua Wong and Ma Jai during their struggle to become effective activists in the very busy city of Hong Kong. Both Wong and Jai represent two of the many individuals in Hong Kong who are pushing for a much more Democratic Hong Kong. Both of the young boys decide to drop out of school and dedicate their lives to stopping Cy Leung, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, and National Education from being implemented in local schools. They both feel that they would rather give themselves to social activism than school because in the end it is what is more important to them. During the documentary, we learn that Wong is the convener and founder of what he calls Scholarism. Although he is only 15 years old at the time, he manages to gain around three hundred thousand followers who agree with him on his views regarding the implementation of National Education. Wong believes that with the implementation of National Education, students in school will lose their independent and critical thinking skills. He also mentions that the fact that only three percent of teachers agreeing with the curriculum of National Education should be yet another reason why

it should not be implemented in schools. He also believes that National Education was created by Communists to brainwash youth. “I want independent thinking, not brainwashing,” a phrase that Wong and many of his followers chant throughout the streets of Hong Kong during the course of the documentary. This is done while their activists threat to “Occupy Central” in the business district of Hong Kong is in full swing. These protests are done annually every July 1 in order to fight the government’s proposed “Moral and National Education.” Although Wong believes the government is trying to brainwash youth, Director of the National Education Services Centre, Wong Chi Man has a different view. According to an article from CNN at the time of the documentary titled “National Education raises furor in Hong Kong” Chi Man said "It's impossible to be brainwashed…Hong Kong people still have access to a lot of information. All education is, to some extent, designed to brainwash. I think the word 'brainwash' is too negative.” By the end of the documentary, it is decided that schools will have to decide on their own, whether they would like to implement National Education or not. Director Matthew Thorne states during the open panel on Wed. that he made the documentary as opposed to writing a book because he knew that people needed to actually see the movement in Hong Kong. “I knew if I wrote a Ph.D it would just sit on the library shelves. Nobody reads the books, they sit there gathering dust. This is kind of like my Ph.D on the screen,” says Thorne with a chuckle during the open panel.

Feb. 25, 2015

‘McFarland’ premieres at Maya Cinemas [MCFARLAND Page 1] “It’s exciting. It’s a little bit of Hollywood, as far as the movie goes. But, we’re adjusted to that; It’s a beautiful movie,” said Cheryl White, Coach Jim White’s wife, who was glowing and teared up at the excitement buzzing around her. However, this movie magic didn’t happen overnight. Jim White said that it has been a long process, even starting as long as 15 to 17 years ago. Jim was also glad that Disney was the one who ended up in control of the production. “I think between the real stuff, the truth and Hollywood, it’s a very, very good movie,” said Jim. He also advised bringing tissues when you do see the movie. We all know how this story ends going into the theater, but it’s the journey along the way that will captivate audiences. There’s a little bit of something for everyone who watches. This isn’t just a movie about sports; it’s about humanity. It celebrates life, the value of hard work, friendships, family, and going after a dream and not letting obstacles stop you. Isn’t that why we all watch sports movies? Many locals from the community of McFarland were also occupying the theater, so watching the film you could certainly feel a sense of pride. When certain landmarks were shown or an exciting moment took place on screen, you knew exactly where the locals were sitting because they were cheering and clapping through it all. The movie’s tagline, “Champions can come from anywhere,” really is what it’s all about. “McFarland, USA” opened everywhere on Friday, Feb. 20. and is rated PG.

Features

Diana Olivares/The Runner

Cheryl White accompanies her husband Jim White to the premiere on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Diana Olivares/The Runner

A local reporter for Univision talks to Kevin Costner about his role in the movie.

Diana Olivares/The Runner

Former poet laureate Philip Levine dies in Fresno Jim White poses next to Kevin Costner who impersonated him in the movie McFarland.

By Barry Ramirez Reporter For someone unread in poetry, a poet perishing on Valentine’s Day would seem incredibly ironic. Of course, this is an immature sense of irony, and could only be taken seriously by someone only acquainted with the carpe diem tradition and romantic verse. As serious poetry readers know, poetry often captures the ugliest facets of our existence and helps to bring them to our awareness to wrangle with. While poems can be written beautifully, they need not necessarily be on beautiful or welcoming subjects. Former poet laureate Philip Levine, who died in Fresno, Calif. on Feb. 14, was a poet most known for dealing with the callous and unsavory aspects of American capitalism and it’s degrading effects on workers. This is most palpable in a favorite of his titled “An Abandoned Factory, Detroit,” when an anonymous narrator stands outside an

empty factory that has gone out of out of business. Levine, who was raised in Detroit, began working in car factories at 14 up to when he unofficially attended the University of Iowa’s Writer’s Workshop, had ample experience of factory life. He wrote, “The gates are chained, the barbed-wire fencing stands,/ An iron authority against the snow,/ And this grey monument to common sense/ Resists the weather. Fears of idle hands, Of protest, men in league, and of the slow/ Corrosion of their minds, still charge this fence.” The “common sense” represented by the factory isn’t a praiseworthy common sense used in the vernacular; it’s a chide. It speaks of the unthinking institution of the factory responsible for the “slow/ Corrosion of their minds.” And it’s still this unconscious force that animates the factory in the mind of the narrator. He ends the poem in the same pathos: “The cast iron wheels have stopped; one counts the spokes/ Which movement blurred, the struts inertia fought,/ And estimates the loss of human power,/

Experience and slow, the loss of years,/ The gradual decay of dignity./ Men lived within these foundries, hour by hour;/ Nothing they forged outlived the rusted gears/ Which might have served to grind their eulogy.” The narrator who sees the lifeless factory standing at a halt, begins to measure “the loss of human power,” the loss of freedom, individuality and the capacity for creativity in self-directed labor. This constant thwarting of the will, “the gradual decay of dignity,” that is the life blood of the factory, lead the workers into a near meaningless death where nothing they’ve created supersedes the mechanical process of decay, “the rusted gears.” Unlike, for example, the creative work of a studied poet that last immemorial. I think Philip Levine’s poetry is of this character. His work will not be forgotten like the outputs of the workers who toiled out the factory. He will be a poet that is loved and revered for as long as poetry is read.

Sports

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Feb. 25, 2015

Saving the best for last

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Airington’s game winner carries CSUB to win Roadrunners win

behind Outland’s game-winning shot

By Esteban Ramirez Sports Editor

With seconds ticking down against University of MissouriKansas City, CSU Bakersfield’s Jaylin Airington hit a buzzerbeating shot to give the ’Runners a 64-62 Western Athletic Conference win at the Icardo Center on Feb. 21. The game was tied at 62-62 with 29 seconds left in the game after a three pointer from UMKC sophomore guard Martez Harrison. CSUB inbounded the ball to redshirtfreshman guard Brent Wrapp, who attacked the basket then dished it off to redshirt-sophomore guard Airington to set up the moment. Airington took a couple dribbles before pulling up for a midrange shot from 18 feet away to give the Roadrunners the lead with only three-tenths of a second left in the game. “It was my first time ever making [a buzzer-beating shot],” Airington, who finished with 16 points, said. “I dreamed about it a lot and I just thank God for the opportunity. The guys just trusted in me and believed in me that I could make the shot and I wanted to make it. I wanted it in my hands and I made the shot.” Airington added that the play call was for junior center Aly Ahmed to take the shot, but because of the defense Wrapp gave it to him. “It’s still unbelievable and I’m thankful,” he said. Barnes said he liked the shot because it was one that Airington is comfortable taking. “It was a great shot,” CSUB coach Rod Barnes said. “The great thing about it was, it wasn’t an abnormal play. He does a job of shooting midrange shots. From the time he let it go, I knew it was going in.” The game went back and forth with eight lead changes and five ties. CSUB (1216, 7-5 WAC) had an advantage of 18-12 in the paint, but went into halftime down 29-25. However, CSUB bounced back in the second half by getting even more shots inside. The ’Runners shot 57.1 percent from the court in the second half and dominated the paint even more in that period of play (22-4). Despite that advantage, the

By Esteban Ramirez Sports Editor

ent from the one New Mexico State runs because they have smaller guards, so you can catch and shoot it easier over them,” he said. Though CSUB never trailed in the game, the ’Runners were just holding on to a 28-23 lead heading into halftime. But they responded with an 11-2 run to start and the Roadrunners cruised past the Cougars for a much-needed WAC win. “I thought it was a mark of our team that it has improved,” Barnes said. “They have a lot of confidence. I think our shooters deserve it. They have been in the gym a lot.” CSUB will play at Seattle University on Feb. 25.

By Lauren Kaufman Contributor

This pool, this deck and this team–they make up my house and my family. And today marks the last time I will race here, and the last time I will feel this thrill. I choke back tears and we finish our cheer. The rest of the team forms two lines and holds their hands above their heads making a tunnel for us seniors to run through. We stand off to the side; one by one the announcer reads our name and a short bio about each of us. Once he is done we run through our teammates makeshift tunnel and stand on blocks in front of the crowd. I am the last to be called. This is something I have watched for three years, but I never thought about the moment it would actually happen to me. “It was a meet that took me down memory lane,” Justin

Young, another senior on the team says. “I remembered every single home meet I’ve had [and] all the memories on deck I’ve shared with amazing teammates and coaches.” The meet carried on like the rest until the final relay. As I stood behind the blocks all I could think was, “this is it. This is my last race in this pool.” The pool that forever marked my skin with the smell of chlorine, the pool that has been there every time I’ve had a bad day and just needed to put my goggles on and swim it out. The pool that taught me work ethic, the pool that gave me a second chance after I wanted to give up on my dreams and the pool that has consumed my life for the last three years.

Eric Garza/The Runner

CSUB’s junior center Aly Ahmed goes up for a shot against Chicago State University defenders at the Icardo Center on Feb. 19.

game stayed close throughout the game but the ’Runners made just one more play than the Kangaroos. This win against UMKC (11-13, 6-5 WAC) puts CSUB in sole position of second place in the WAC. “It was a big win for us,” Airington said. “We moved into second place, but we need to win on out. That was huge, so hopefully we can meet New Mexico State in the [WAC] Championship. We just got to keep winning.” Junior forward Kevin Mays

’Runner Roundup

Men’s Basketball

finished with 15 points and six rebounds and Ahmed added 12 points and 11 rebounds. On Feb. 19, the Roadrunners beat the Chicago State University Cougars 64-51 in the Icardo Center. CSUB never trailed in the game thanks to 11-of-20 shooting from beyond the three-point line and because of a strong defensive performance. “It was nice,” redshirt-senior guard Javonte Maynor, who finished with 21 points, said of the win. “That little cushion helped us out a lot.” CSU tried to run a 1-3-1 zone to give the ’Runners some confusion on offense, but it was ineffective. “The 1-3-1 they run is differ-

It was something that redshirtsenior guard Tyonna Outland had not experienced in her basketball career: hitting a gamewinning shot for the CSU Bakersfield women’s basketball team. On Feb. 21, CSUB (20-7, 9-3 Western Athletic Conference) junior forward Batabe Zempare tied the game 76-76 against University of Missouri-Kansas City with only six seconds left. Then senior guard Brooklynn Hinkens forced a turnover on the ensuing possession and redshirt-sophomore forward Erika Williams picked the ball up. As she went up to take the shot with three seconds left, she saw Outland get open and set the stage for her buzzer-beating shot. “When I jumped in the air and saw the scoreboard, I was like ‘oh shoot,’” Williams said. “Then I saw Ty and I trust her so I got her the ball.” Thanks to Outland’s first game winner, CSUB beat UMKC 7876 in Kansas City. “Honestly, I wasn’t thinking,” Outland, who finished with 22 points, said. “I just shot it and thought ‘well this is going to be the best shot we are going to get’ and I went up and it went in. “I was hyped. The team ran over and that made it just that much better. I was pumped and I couldn’t believe it that it went in because there was so many things that went wrong in that game. We just finished it really well.” She added that it was a dream of hers to make a game-winning shot. “I always dreamed of making one and when it happened I was like ‘wow,’” she said. Outland made the shot with 1.9 seconds left in the game and gave the ’Runners their fifth consecutive win. The game was close throughout and high scoring, but CSUB was down 45-40 to UMKC (620, 4-7 WAC) at halftime. UMKC shot 64 percent in the

Women’s Basketball

first half to help them to that led, but in the second half CSUB bounced back, holding the Kangaroos to 42 percent. CSUB also shot 50 percent in the second half and outscored UMKC 38-31. “I thought it was a gutsy performance,” CSUB coach Greg McCall said. “We really had to gut it out. We did a good job of executing and creating the turnovers when we needed it. It was a team that really wanted to win and it was a team that knows how to win when it comes down to those situations.” McCall added that the team’s struggles on the road are a thing of the past. “It’s definitely something we know we can handle,” he said. “It’s just about how we go out there and play how we are supposed to play.” Outland added that she thought the team kept its composure throughout the game. “We just stepped up to the challenge because UMKC played us pretty hard,” she said. “We just stayed composed and trusted each other the whole game. I felt like we played well.” Williams finished with 21 points and Zempare added 10 points and 10 rebounds. On Feb. 19, CSUB beat Chicago State University 87-53 in Chicago. Zempare led the team with 14 points and 11 rebounds and sophomore forward Brittany Sims added 14 points. CSUB never trailed and coasted to an easy win behind 55.4 percent shooting for the game. The ’Runners defense also had a strong game holding the Cougars to 37.5 percent from the floor. “We always take learning experiences away from them,” McCall said. “We try not to put ourselves in those situations, but if they do arise we are prepared for them. We just need to go out and play.” CSUB will put its 20 homegame winning streak on the line as it hosts Seattle University on Feb. 28.

My team cheers as I get on the block to swim the 50 freestyle: “Last one, fast one!” My breathing starts to get heavy. “Lets go Lauren! This is it,” my teammates cheered. The lump in my throat builds. “Last one Lo!” I dive in. Twenty-four seconds later I touch the wall in first place and it’s done. I have completed my final race in the pool I call home. It’s crazy how fast it all comes to an end. Dennis summed up the day perfectly, “It was a culminating experience that was too surreal to take in. “It finally hit me that my four years were coming to an end and I had to look onto the future. I loved every second of that meet and it’s something I’ll never forget.” It was a day that I remembered to swim for the young girl that fell in love with the sport 18 years ago, for one last time.

78 76

Swimmer reflects on last home meet

FIRST PERSON

The early morning fog covered the pool at the Hillman Aquatics Center on Jan. 25. Family, friends and fellow students began filing in and filling the stands to watch the seniors on the CSU Bakersfield swim team swim one last time in its home pool as it takes on University of California, Santa Cruz. I stand next to my six fellow seniors as our coach addresses the team. I see the shine in their eyes as we all realize we are about to do our last team cheer on this pool deck. It’s like the world is moving in slow motion as we clap and run up onto the grassy hill in front of the packed stands. Tears fill my eyes as my teammate, friend and fellow senior Dennis Cassidy yells “Whose house is this?” We all cheer back “Our house!”

Sports

Feb. 25, 2015

BASEBALL

CSUB wins series against Northern Kentucky By Nate Sanchez Senior Columnist

After being swept by Creighton University to start the season, CSU Bakersfield bounced back against Northern Kentucky University, winning the four-game series, 3-1. The series came to an end Sunday, when CSUB senior pitcher Nick Rogowski scattered 10 hits and five earned runs over seven innings. Rogowski conceded four runs in the first two innings, but was mostly dominant for the remainder of the game. Max Carter came on in relief, collecting three strikeouts and allowed one hit. In the fourth inning, with the Runners down by four runs, sophomore Joey Sanchez hit a two-RBI single, leading to a five-run inning. The Runners did not allow another run. “I waited for my opportunity,” Sanchez said. “My name got called and I’m glad to say I could get it done for the team. Last weekend we came out a little flat, but this weekend we all pitched in and it was a team effort. I’m pretty happy and excited for what the future holds for the season.” The most notable aspect of the ’Runners’ game this series was the offense. The ’Runners scored 34 runs in the series against the Norse, almost seven times the runs scored in the Creighton series. You can’t win if you don’t hit, and hit they did. “Coach [Kernen] really helped

with our approach offensively, which was to stay patient at the plate,” said shortstop Mylz Jones. “We’d been rushing and getting ahead of ourselves.” Against Creighton, the top of the order was hitting a meager .264 against opposing pitching. Against the Norse, the first three batters in the order hit a combined .321, a major improvement. The ’Runners also got their walk rate up, averaging 4.5 per game. “There’s an intent, a determination on the part of our guys to get that turnaround cause we knew that wasn’t who we really are that first weekend,” CSUB coach Bill Kernen said. “We’ll see what happens as we go along, but we know we’re a better offensive team than when we played that first series.” Strikeouts were also a work in progress for the ’Runners. The ’Runners struck out 25 times over three games against Creighton, averaging 8.3 per game. The Norse could only hold the Runners to an average of seven over the last series. Another bright spot for the ’Runners’ offense was Soloman Williams. The senior first baseman hit .384 with six RBI against the Norse. The Runners season is a work in progress. It’s still early, but the Runners’ bats are alive and kicking. CSUB will play in the Phoenix Muni Classic on Feb. 26 where the Roadrunners will play at Arizona State University.

Janeane Williams/The Runner

CSUB’s sophomore pitcher Max Carter winds up for a pitch against Northern Kentucky University on Feb. 22. Roadrunners beat the Norse 11-5 on Sunday to take the series 3-1.

Game 1: CSUB 11, NKU 5

W: Carter, H. (1-0). L: Jefferson (0-1). 2B: NKU: Bauml, Ganns, Myers; CSUB: Metzgar. Notes: Williams 2-5, 3 RBI.

Game 2: CSUB 10, NKU 1

W: Barragan (1-1). L: Shaw (1-1). 2B: NKU: Bauml; CSUB: Metzgar, Trowbridge, Grotjohn. 3B: CSUB White, Gusbeth.

Game 3: NKU 8, CSUB 2

W: Korson (1-0). L: Gee (0-1). 2B: NKU: Bauml, Spurlin, Ganns; CSUB: Jones, Sanchez, Gusbeth.

Game 4: CSUB 11, NKU 5

W: Rogowski (1-1). L: Cooper (0-1). 2B: NKU: Bauml. 3B: NKU: Heady.